Kohli, Bumrah, Arshdeep & Hardik Seal Historic 7-Run Win in Barbados
T20 World India are champions again! In a pulsating final against South Africa at Kensington Oval, Barbados, India held their nerve to win by 7 runs and lift their second ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title, their first since 2007.
In a clash of unbeaten sides, India edged past a valiant South Africa thanks to a gritty 76 from Virat Kohli and stunning bowling performances from Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Hardik Pandya.
India’s Innings: Kohli Anchors, Axar and Dube Support
India won the toss and chose to bat first but were rocked early by Keshav Maharaj, who dismissed both Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant in the second over. Kagiso Rabada soon followed with the wicket of Suryakumar Yadav, leaving India struggling at 34/3.
Virat Kohli then dug deep and formed a steady partnership of 72 runs with Axar Patel, before the latter was run out by a sharp Quinton de Kock direct hit. Kohli continued his measured knock, adding another 57 with Shivam Dube before he eventually departed for a hard-fought 76 off 59 balls.
India finished with 176/7, thanks to late contributions but also disciplined bowling from Anrich Nortje, who picked up two wickets in the final over.
South Africa’s Response: Klaasen Threatens, Bumrah & Hardik Deliver
South Africa’s chase began with early setbacks. Jasprit Bumrah knocked over Reeza Hendricks in the second over with a perfect delivery, while Arshdeep Singh had Aiden Markram edging behind.
De Kock and Tristan Stubbs tried to stabilize the innings, but once Stubbs fell to Axar Patel and de Kock holed out off Arshdeep for 39, the pressure mounted. Then came Heinrich Klaasen’s counterattack—his 52 off 27 balls threatened to snatch the game away from India.
David Miller also joined the assault, and with 30 needed off 30 balls, South Africa were well within reach. But Klaasen’s dismissal in the 17th over—caught behind off Hardik Pandya—turned the tide.
The Final Overs: Nerves of Steel from India
Jasprit Bumrah bowled a game-changing over to dismiss Jansen and put India back in command. With 20 needed off 12, Hardik was handed the final over and started with a dream ball—David Miller caught by Suryakumar Yadav right at the ropes.
Despite a couple of late singles, Hardik stayed composed and took the final wicket of Rabada, with SKY again taking the catch. South Africa finished on 169/8—just 7 runs short of glory.
India Lift the Trophy After 17-Year Wait
Virat Kohli was named Player of the Match for his 76, while India’s bowling unit—led by Bumrah (2/18), Arshdeep (2/20), and Hardik (3/30)—ensured the total was defended with steel and strategy.
This win marks India’s second T20 World Cup title after their triumph in 2007, and comes 11 years after their last ICC title in 2013.
Final Scorecard Snapshot:
- India: 176/7 (Kohli 76, Axar 47; Nortje 2/26)
- South Africa: 169/8 (Klaasen 52, de Kock 39; Hardik 3/30, Bumrah 2/18)
Result: India won by 7 runs
A Final for the Ages
South Africa came heartbreakingly close to their first-ever world title, but it was India who held firm. From Kohli’s grit to Bumrah’s brilliance, and Hardik’s final over heroics—it was a true team effort that brought cricket’s most explosive title back home.
Category: Cricket, T20 World Cup 2024, Indian Cricket, Sports News
Tags: India vs South Africa, T20 World Cup Final 2024, Virat Kohli 76, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, India win T20 World Cup, SA vs IND highlights, India champions
